MOSCOW, 18 November (BelTA) – Belarus expects that NATO will hear the country's concern relating to the buildup of military potential and the reinforcement of NATO's infrastructure near Belarusian borders. Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei made the relevant statement at a joint session of the boards of the Belarusian and Russian ministries of foreign affairs in Moscow on 18 November, BelTA has learned.
Vladimir Makei noted that NATO's operation in Europe represents more than current interest for both Belarus and Russia today. This is why it was a timely move when a number of interrelated matters concerning NATO's military and political activity near the border of the Union State of Belarus and Russia were included into the agenda along with the coordination of common approaches to relations with NATO.
Vladimir Makei went on saying: “We have repeatedly stated our interest in advancing an equal and mutually respectful dialogue with NATO. Such a dialogue could secure higher transparency and predictability of military operations in Europe. We expect our concerns arising from the buildup of military potential and the reinforcement of NATO infrastructure near the Belarusian border to be heard by NATO and its member states. At any rate our latest contacts with representatives of the USA give us hope for it.”
Vladimir Makei stressed that Belarus has always been in favor of an open dialogue between Russia and NATO. “I am absolutely convinced that any discussion about problems of enhancing international and European security is pointless without getting Russia involved,” he said. “This is why Belarus is ready to continue working with Russia to push for constructive interaction with NATO within the framework of an open address sent by the ministers of foreign affairs of the OSCE member states to ministers of foreign affairs of the NATO member states on 22 May 2019 with a view to building up mutual trust and advancing cooperation.”
